Hellenic hits promotional price points with rugs

Like many of its competitors, area rug importer Hellenic Rug Imports Inc. is looking to stay competitive with the recent introduction of promotional rugs for $99 retail at last week's New York Home Textiles market.

"This $99 price point is totally new for us," said Steve Mazarakis, president and ceo. "Our rugs normally average $399. But now, because there are so many furniture stores out there looking to create vignettes and offer promotional items to their customers, we decided to get into this $99 price point to have something to offer them and our other customers."

The new Marrakesh Collection is composed of machine-made 100 percent heat set polypropylene rugs made in Brazil.

Aside from constituting Hellenic's first entry into the promotional segment of the area rug business, the Marrakesh Collection also represents the importer's first partnership with a Latin America-based manufacturer, Mazarakis said.

"Typically, I would have looked to Belgium to get this product," Mazarakis said. "But Brazil offered better prices and a better product, plus I was able to get an exclusive from the plant I'm working with. It has worked out well."

Mazarakis added that Marrakesh is available in 30 designs ranging from contemporary to Americana and Southwest blends.